Publisher Penguin and social networking website MySpace have joined forces to deliver a unique online James Bond experience.

A MySpace page has been launched to promote the release of Sebastian Faulks’ highly anticipated James Bond novel, Devil May Care. In addition to some exclusive goodies (such as wallpapers, and a glimpse at the cover art for the upcoming Ian Fleming hardback reissues), 007 fans have the opportunity to compose and perform the official Devil May Care theme song.

The winning track will feature on the Devil May Care audiobook and will also be available to download via iTunes and the Penguin website.

The full press release is below.

Penguin and MySpace Begin Search For James Bond Theme Tune

LONDON – 28.1.2008 – Musicians and James Bond fans across Britain have the rare chance to be a part of 007’s iconic history as Penguin announces its search for the theme tune to Devil May Care, the eagerly awaited new Bond novel written by Sebastian Faulks.

From today visitors to uk.myspace.com/devilmaycarebook have the chance to create an original piece of music for the new Bond book which is published on 28th May, the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth.

The winning track will become the book’s official theme tune and will be featured on the Devil May Care audio book, published on the same day. This will be the first theme tune to accompany a James Bond book and will later be available as a free digital download.

A shortlist of five entries will be selected by a high-profile judging panel, which includes the book’s author, Sebastian Faulks along with respected figures from the world of literature and music, including cult music producer Jazzie B and Matthew Fleming, great nephew of original Bond author Ian Fleming. Dom Cook, Director of Marketing and Content for MySpace UK and Alex Clarke, Penguin Editor of Devil May Care will also judge.

The competition is open to all musicians – both amateur and established artists – with the deadline for entries on 25th February. All entry criteria, including guidance on the style required, can be found on the Devil May Care MySpace page. As well as the exposure, the winner will also pick up the overall prize of £1,000 worth of music equipment.

Once the shortlist is chosen, the final vote will be opened to the public on Monday 3rd March, with the winner announced on Monday 17th March.

Speaking about the launch, Dom Cook, Director of Marketing and Content at MySpace UK said: “With more than eight million artists and bands on MySpace it’s the best place to discover exciting new talent. We hope the passion and creativity that fuels our site will be reflected in the high quality of entries that Penguin receive.”

Alex Clarke, Penguin Editor of Devil May Care commented, “I hope that this is a dream brief – create your own Bond theme tune – it doesn’t get much better than that. We’re really pleased to be able to reach out to all the millions of Myspacers – and hope that loads of people will be inspired to rise to the challenge. It’s an amazing novel – so it’ll need some really good music!”

Alongside the competition, the Devil May Care MySpace profile will be a hub of information and news in the build up to the publication of the book. It will make available downloadable wallpapers and counters and will be regularly updated with blog posts, videos and new writing from Bond aficionados and authors.

Following the release of the audio book, the theme tune will be made available for free download via Penguin (penguin.co.uk) and iTunes.

Devil May Care will be released on 28 May 2008.

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